“The Cotton Club: Encore” and “There’s Something About Mary” to Headline
Although the University’s Cotton Club event was last week, it appears that the University just can’t get enough of the popular event, because it was recently announced that the film The Cotton Club: Encore will be headlining this year’s Ebertfest.
Cotton Club 1984
The Cotton Club: Encore is based on the real Cotton Club, a popular nightclub located in Harlem, New York that was in operation from 1923 to 1940. It was known to feature some of the most popular black entertainers of the era, such as Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller.
The Cotton Club: Encore is itself based on the original 1984 release of the film. The Encore version came about because director Francis Coppola found an old Betamax copy of his original cut of the film, which was 25 minutes longer than the theatrical release. He decided to restore the cut, and release it as Encore in 2017.
After the film opens up Ebertfest on April 15, screenwriter William Kennedy will partake in a Q and A, and will be joined by Kathryn Bostic, who will perform popular jazz pieces of the era.
There’s Something About Mary 1998
Joining Encore is the 1998 film There’s Something About Mary, which will be closing Ebertfest on April 18. The film is about a Miami doctor having to deal with a love pentagon (there are four men trying to pursue a relationship with her).
Like Encore, There’s Something About Mary will feature a Q and A panel with screenwriters Bobby Farrelly and John Strauss, after the screening of the film.
The films will be showcased at the Virginia Theater located in downtown Champaign, while the panels and other events will be at the Hyatt Palace and throughout the University.
The remaining set of films is scheduled to be announced at a later date.
All of the films are being picked by the late Roger Ebert’s wife, Chaz Ebert, along with festival director Nate Kohn. They are based on lists Ebert had made for the first 15 Ebertfests.
If you are interested in attending this year’s Ebertfest is offering University students with special passes for $100. There is a limited quantity, however, as only 1,000 will be sold, so hurry up! The passes could be purchased can be purchased through the Ebertfest website, the Virginia Theatre website or the theater box office, 203 W. Park Ave., Champaign, 217-356-9063.